Abdominal rocking exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus comprises a frame assembly comprising two frame members extending longitudinally above a surface and at least two crossbars joining the two frame members. A backrest platform comprises a generally convex shape configured for supporting a user&#39;s back. The backrest platform comprises a plurality of rollers configured for rolling on the user&#39;s back during exercising. The backrest platform is joined to a first of the crossbars for rotation about the first crossbar. A seat platform comprises a generally concave shape configured for supporting the user&#39;s seat. The seat platform comprises a plurality of rollers configured for rolling on the user&#39;s seat during exercising. The seat platform is joined to a second of the crossbars for rotation about the second crossbar. Two handle grips are joined to the frame assembly for grasping during the user&#39;s exercising.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. Provisional Application for Patent Ser. No. 61/961,414 entitled “Super Abs” filed on 2013 Oct. 13, under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof.

RELATED CO-PENDING U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

No applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to fitness equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to an abdominal and core exercise and fitness apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. It is believed that many people would like to have a stronger core and thinner waistline. Traditional abdominal exercises are typically performed on the floor by lifting the legs and upper body off ground separately or simultaneously to target the upper and lower abs. Due to the lack of support of the neck and back that may be experienced in these traditional exercises, one may expect that these exercises may result in straining, pain, or discomfort in the back or neck.

By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that there are some exercise devices currently available to assist in the performance of abdominal exercises. For example, there are machines at gyms that are designed to perform specific abdominal exercises. These machines may be bulky and heavy. In addition, these machines are often specialized to target one muscle group, which may mean that a user must use multiple machines and/or perform many sets to get a full abdominal workout. There are also some currently available fitness devices comprising foam backrests. These devices typically do not provide multiple coordinating motions that may follow the natural movements of the body.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A through 1G illustrate an exemplary abdominal and core exercise apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the apparatus. FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic front view. FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic top view. FIG. 1D is a diagrammatic side view. FIG. 1E is a diagrammatic bottom view. FIG. 1F is a diagrammatic rear view, and FIG. 1G is a diagrammatic side view of the apparatus in a folded position;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate exemplary brackets for mounting tilting platforms to the frame assembly of an abdominal and core exercise apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a partially transparent diagrammatic side view of a bracket attached to a center bar of a concave seat platform, and FIG. 2B is a partially transparent diagrammatic side view of a bracket attached to a center bar of a convex backrest platform;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate exemplary abdominal and core exercise apparatuses with headrests, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of an exercise apparatus with a spring loaded retracting headrest attached to a crossbar on the frame assembly, and FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of an exercise apparatus with a headrest attached to the center bar of a backrest platform; and

FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate an exemplary abdominal and core exercise apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of the apparatus. FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic top view, and FIG. 4C is a diagrammatic front view of the apparatus in a folded position.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.

An embodiment of the present invention may provide an apparatus for performing abdominal and core workouts in a secure, stable and safe body position. Some embodiments may comprise tilting/rocking platforms that may move based on ergonomic positions and movements of the body. In typical use of some embodiments, a user may use his bodyweight to perform exercises on the apparatus and may control the movements of the upper and lower body parts with handle grips.

FIGS. 1A through 1G illustrate an exemplary abdominal and core exercise apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the apparatus. FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic front view. FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic top view. FIG. 1D is a diagrammatic side view. FIG. 1E is a diagrammatic bottom view. FIG. 1F is a diagrammatic rear view, and FIG. 1G is a diagrammatic side view of the apparatus in a folded position. In the present embodiment, the apparatus comprises two tilting/rocking platforms, a seat platform 105 and a backrest platform 110. Seat platform 105 and backrest platform 110 may be attached to crossbars 115 on the top portion of a folding frame assembly. The frame assembly may comprise two leg bases 120 held together by crossbars 115. Crossbars 115 may be welded, bolted, or otherwise attached to leg bases 120 to act as a bridge over the top of the frame assembly. Leg bases 120 each comprise two sections that may be attached together by hinges 125 to typically enable the frame assembly to fold onto itself to occupy a smaller space when not in use. A multiplicity of suitable materials may be used to construct the frame assembly including, without limitation, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, other metals, various plastics, etc. Moreover, the components of the frame assembly may be made of square or round tubing, solid rods, or other suitable resources. Depending on the material being used for the frame assembly, leg bases 120 may be covered with rubber feet 127, which may offer stability to generally prevent the apparatus from slipping during use. Rubber feet 127 may also help to protect the surface on which the apparatus is being used from scratches or other damage. In the present embodiment, the frame assembly is approximately 60 cm long by 45 cm wide by 14 cm high in the open position. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention that alternate embodiments may be made in various different sizes. For example, without limitation, in one embodiment a smaller apparatus may be made for women and a larger apparatus for men.

In the present embodiment, seat platform 105 is attached to the front half of the apparatus along with curved handle grips 130, and backrest platform 110 is attached to the back half of the apparatus. It is contemplated that the handgrips may be made in various different shapes including, without limitation, straight handgrips, angled handgrips, vertical handgrips, etc. and may be welded or attached with bolts to the exterior edge of the frame assembly. Other embodiments may be implemented without handle grips. Referring to FIG. 1C, in the present embodiment seat platform 105 and backrest platform 110 may each comprise one center bar 135 that connects six arms 140 that may hold six rotating padded rollers 145. Padded rollers 145 may be made of foam placed around plastic or metal tubes that may slide onto tubular arms 140 of the platform framework. A cap may be placed at the outer end of each roller 145. In the present embodiment, each roller 145 may have a hallow tubular center that may fit over arms 140 allowing rollers 145 to rotate over arms 140. Caps 110 attach to ends of arms 140 to prevent rollers 145 from coming off arms 140. In a non-limiting example, rollers 145 may comprise a plastic tube being shorter in length than arms 140. Some alternate embodiments may be implemented with fewer or more padded rollers on the seat platform and/or on the backrest platform. In addition some alternate embodiments may incorporate bearings or lubricants into the rollers to facilitate the rotation of the rollers around the arms of the platforms. In the present embodiment, both platforms 105 and 110 may be designed with an ergonomic shape to offer comfortable body positioning and support. For example, without limitation, seat platform 105 may be designed with a concave surface to cradle the posterior and thighs, and backrest platform 110 may be designed with a slightly convex surface to follow the natural curve of the back. In addition padded rollers may provide added comfort and may aid in performing exercises on the apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 1E and 1F, seat support 105 and backrest support 110 may be securely attached to crossbars 115 of the frame assembly with brackets 150. Furthermore, brackets 150 typically enable platforms 105 and 110 move up and down in a titling or rocking movement with crossbars 115 acting as the pivot points. In some embodiments bearings or lubricants may be incorporated into the brackets to aid in the tilting/rocking movement of the platforms. Alternate embodiments may be implemented with multiple brackets attaching each platform to a crossbar. In the present embodiment, each platform 105 and 110 may be designed to move independently from each other. Referring to FIG. 1F, backrest platform 110 may be attached to the apparatus so that backrest platform 110 is approximately two inches (5 cm) higher off of the ground than seat platform 105. The higher placement of backrest platform 110 may help to prevent a user from rolling too far backward, which may cause the user to fall onto the ground. It is contemplated that some alternate embodiments may be configured so that the seat platform and the backrest platform are attached to the frame assembly in various different positions relative to each other. Other alternate embodiments may comprise means for adjusting the height of one or both of the platforms to enable a user to customize the positions of the platform.

Referring to FIG. 1G, hinges 125 may enable the apparatus to fold in half quickly for compact and easy storage. In the present embodiment, the front portions of leg bases 120 are spaced further from each other than the back portions of leg bases 120 are, which may enable the back portions of leg bases 120 to fit between the front portions of leg bases 120. In addition, brackets 150 may enable seat platform 105 and backrest platform 110 to rotate so that platforms 105 and 110 may collapse against each other.

In typical use of the present embodiment, a user may recline on rollers 145 with his posterior on seat platform 105 and his back on backrest platform 110. The user may then lift both feet off of the ground so that his entire bodyweight is resting on the two tilting platforms 105 and 110. Then using handle grips 130 to help control the tilting motion of seat platform 105 and backrest platform 110, the user may perform abdominal exercises by alternating his body from a fully stretched position to a fully contracted position. As the user moves, platforms 105 and 110 typically move along with the natural movement of the body and may help the user stretch and contract the upper body and legs. As seat platform 105 and backrest platform 110 tilt back and forth, rollers 145 rotate to help with the performance of the abdominal and core exercises by reducing friction on the body parts of the user in contact with the apparatus, mainly on the posterior and the back. While performing some exercises, the user may choose not to use handle grips 130. In some embodiments, handle grips 130 may be padded for the comfort of the user. Moreover, handle grips may be used to aid in lowering the body onto the apparatus and in standing up from the apparatus. As the user stretches and contracts his body, the tilting/rocking movements of platform 105 and 110 may cause the abdominal and core muscle to move up and down thus working these muscles. The design of the apparatus typically enables the user to perform exercises in a safe and comfortable position to focus exclusively abdominal muscle while minimizing negative pressure to the lower back or other body parts. This technique may offer a complete full range of motion of abdominal exercises using the resistance tension from the bodyweight of the user. The exercises may be used to target the lower and upper abdominal muscle groups simultaneously in a single movement. Some exercises may also help to strengthen the lower back. When the user is finished with his workout, the apparatus may be quickly folded into a compact position for easy storage. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that a multiplicity of suitable exercises may be performed using exercise apparatuses according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, without limitation, the user may face away from the apparatus and rest his back on backrest platform 110 with his feet on the ground and stretch and contract his abdominal muscles by raising and lowering his upper body and/or his legs. In a non-limiting example, the user may perform a variety of exercises while being supported the apparatus and using handle grips to pull and push. These exercises may include, without limitation, upper and lower abdominal exercises, a bicycling legs abdominal exercise, cross over abdominal exercises, crunch exercises, etc.

Some embodiments of the present invention may be designed to target all of the abdominal muscle groups and to strengthen the lower back while building a stronger and more defined waistline while minimizing time and space and maximizing positive results. Some embodiments may be able to replace currently available heavy-duty fitness exercises machines. The present embodiment is lightweight and may be used by virtually any person at any fitness level or any age. In addition, the present embodiment may be used almost anywhere, for example, without limitation, indoor or outdoor, at home, in health clubs, in rehab centers, for physical therapy, etc. Furthermore, some embodiments may enable a user to achieve an effective abdominal workout in a relatively short amount of time without the need for any other device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate exemplary brackets for mounting tilting platforms to the frame assembly of an abdominal and core exercise apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a partially transparent diagrammatic side view of a bracket 205 attached to a center bar 210 of a concave seat platform, and FIG. 2B is a partially transparent diagrammatic side view of a bracket 205 attached to a center bar 215 of a convex backrest platform. In the present embodiment, flexible adaptors 220 may enable brackets 205 to conform to both the concave curve of seat center bar 210 and the convex backrest center bar 215 so that the seat platform and the backrest platform may be securely attached to the frame assembly of the apparatus Brackets 205 may be attached to center bars 210 and 215 with bolts 225, as illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 2A and 2B, or other attachment means such as, but not limited to, welding or adhesives. In the present embodiment, brackets 205 comprise bottom attachment surfaces 230 that are curved to attach to the crossbars of the frame assemble so that brackets 205 may completely rotate around the crossbars.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate exemplary abdominal and core exercise apparatuses with headrests, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of an exercise apparatus with a spring loaded retracting headrest 305 attached to a crossbar 312 on the frame assembly, FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of an exercise apparatus with a spring loaded retracting headrest 302 attached to a crossbar 310 on the frame assembly, and FIG. 3C is a rear perspective view of an exercise apparatus with a headrest 315 attached to the center bar of a backrest platform 320. Referring to FIG. 3A, headrest 302 is rotatably attached to crossbar 312 which is attached to frame 322. Tension means 332 urges headrest 302 to an initial position. In use, pressure from the user's head and neck will rotate headrest 302 about crossbar 312 during exercises. In the present embodiment, headrest 302 has one roller 338. In other embodiments, headrest 302 may have two rollers. In the present embodiment, removable covers 350 may cover the rollers and handle grips of the apparatus. In some embodiments, covers 350 may be disposable. Referring to FIG. 3B, headrest 305 is attached to crossbar 310 located behind a backrest platform 325 by movable attachment means 330 such as, but not limited to, a hinged bracket. Headrest 305 may then be attached to backrest platform 325 by a resistance band 335. This typically enables the headrest to move in coordination with backrest platform 325 as the user performs abdominal exercises. In another embodiment the movement of the headrest may be achieved by mounting the headrest to the crossbar with a spring-loaded attachment means. In the present embodiment, a rotational padded roller 340, made to roll against the head and neck of a user during abdominal exercises may be attached to the top of the headrest.

Referring to FIG. 3C, in the present embodiment headrest 315 is attached directly to the frame of backrest platform 320. Thus, headrest 315 moves along with the tilting movement of backrest platform 320 as a user performs exercises. The present embodiment also comprises a resistance band attachment system 345 incorporated into the frame assembly of the apparatus. In some embodiments, resistance band attachment system 345 may be attached to the top of backrest platform 320.

FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate an exemplary abdominal and core exercise apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of the apparatus. FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic top view, and FIG. 4C is a diagrammatic front view of the apparatus in a folded position. In the present embodiment, rollers 405 may be attached to flat plates rather than a framework of tubes or rods then attached to a frame assembly 410. A tilting seat platform 415 comprises two concave attachment plates 420, and a tilting backrest platform 425 comprises two convex attachment plates 430. Attachment plates 420 and 430 comprise holes 435 so that plates 420 and 430 may be slid onto crossbars 440 on frame assembly 410. The tubes inside rollers 405 may be sized so that rollers easily rotate on the arms of platforms 415 and 425. In some embodiments the tilting motion of platforms 415 and 425 may be aided by bearings or lubricants in holes 435 of attachment plates 420 and 430. Both platforms 415 and 425 may be designed to tilt and move independently from each other. Foam rollers 405 may rotate as the body moves across them, which may aid in reducing friction between the body and the apparatus. Rollers 405 may be made of padded foam comprising narrow holes so that plastic or metal tubes may be inserted into rollers 405 and then slid onto tube arms that attach plates 420 together and plates 430 together. The tubes inside rollers 405 may be sized so that rollers easily rotate on the arms of platforms 415 and 425. In some embodiments the rotation of the rollers may be aided by bearings or lubricants. Two straight padded handle grips 445 may be attached to each side of frame assembly 410. Referring to FIG. 4B, optionally, a series of omni-directional pulleys 450 may be attached to the front and back of the lower portion of frame assembly 410. Pulleys 450 may be used to operate multiple resistance bands. In a non-limiting example, with the user in a sitting position, the user may hold handle grip 445 and perform a variety of exercises for, without limitation, shoulders, biceps and deltoid. In another non-limiting example, the user may rest back on backrest platform 425 and perform a variety of exercises for chest and triceps. Frame assembly 410 comprises folding pivot joints 455 that may enable the apparatus to fold in half quickly for compact and easy storage. In some embodiments the exercise apparatus may comprise various different optional features such as, but not limited to, a headrest, non-slip feet, handles for carrying the apparatus in the folded position, water bottle holders, towel hooks, music player docks, etc. Some embodiments may comprise four rollers for platforms 415 and 425. In some embodiments, backrest platform 425 position on frame assembly 410 may be adjustable for accommodating the height of the user. In a non-limiting example, crossbar 440 may be attached to frame 410 in three positions with the positions separated by about two inches and secured in place with a locking means such as, but not limited to, a locking pin.

In typical use of the present embodiment, a user may sit at the center of the apparatus between seat platform 415 and backrest platform 425. Then, the user may hold onto handle grips 445, lift both feet from the ground and lean back to perform the abdominal exercises by stretching and contracting the upper body and legs apart and together to perform a full range contraction motion while engaging the core. As the user performs the exercises, platforms 415 and 425 may both move in a tilting/rocking motion while the padded rollers 405 may rotate to aid in moving the body with the movements of the apparatus.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that some embodiments may be implemented with various different configurations. For example, without limitation, some embodiments may be implemented with a larger size and heavier or stronger materials for use in heavy duty or high usage applications such as, but not limited to, in a gym or rehab center. In some alternate embodiments, the tilting platforms may be configured as a solid element rather than multiple rollers on an open frame assembly. Some alternate embodiments may comprise electronic components that may display statistics such as, but not limited to, number or reps, amount of time on the apparatus, estimated calories burned, etc. Some alternate embodiments may comprise means for adding resistance to the performance of the exercises or for adjusting the resistance of the apparatus such as, but not limited to, springs, hydraulic cylinders, fly wheels, etc.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC §112 (1), all claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patent specification, and any material known to those skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC §112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification. Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a “mean for” claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6) functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legally valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of “mean for” claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered a multiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specific structures and elements which are suitable to act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claims that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) when such corresponding structures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching, Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the functional means claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claims construction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowability properly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC §112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searching and or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all such documents comprising functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892 or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into the present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3^(rd) parties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the present application to explicitly include citations to such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference above.

Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitly prescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missing disclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference for the purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC §112 (6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC §112 (6) necessarily have a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instant application, and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in the instant application.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing an abdominal and core exercise apparatus according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the abdominal and core exercise apparatus may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the exercise apparatuses described in the foregoing were principally directed to reclining implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to apparatuses that are configured to perform abdominal exercises in standing or sitting positions, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a frame assembly comprising two frame members being configured to extend longitudinally above a surface and at least two crossbars joining said two frame members; a backrest platform comprising a generally convex shape configured for supporting a user's back, said backrest platform further comprising a plurality of rollers being configured for rolling on the user's back during exercising, said backrest platform being joined to a first of said crossbars for rotation about said first crossbar; a seat platform comprising a generally concave shape configured for supporting the user's seat, said seat platform further comprising a plurality of rollers being configured for rolling on the user's seat during exercising, said seat platform being joined to a second of said crossbars for rotation about said second crossbar; and two handle grips being joined to said frame assembly for grasping during the user's exercising.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a headrest being configured for engaging a head and neck of the user during the exercising.
 3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, in which said frame assembly further comprises at least two hinges for folding the frame for storage.
 4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, in which said frame assembly further comprises a plurality of leg bases for supporting said frame assembly on the surface.
 5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of resistance bands being configured for supplying resistance during the exercising.
 6. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, in which said headrest further comprises a roller being configured for supporting the user's head and neck and rolling during the exercising.
 7. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, in which said frame assembly further comprises a third crossbar and said headrest is joined to said third crossbar for rotating about said crossbar.
 8. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, further comprising means for applying a resistance to said rotation of said headrest.
 9. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, in which said means for applying a resistance is joined to said third crossbar.
 10. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, in which said headrest is joined to said backrest platform.
 11. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, in which said backrest platform further comprises a convex center bar and a plurality of arms extending from said center bar for supporting said rollers.
 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, in which said seat platform further comprises a concave center bar and a plurality of arms extending from said concave center bar for supporting said rollers.
 13. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, in which said backrest platform further comprises two convex attachment plates for supporting said rollers.
 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, in which said seat platform further comprises two concave attachment plates for supporting said rollers.
 15. An apparatus comprising: a frame assembly comprising two frame members being configured to extend longitudinally above a surface and at least two crossbars joining said two frame members; means for supporting a user's back; means for supporting the user's seat; and means for grasping during the user's exercising.
 16. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, further comprising means for engaging a head and neck of the user during the exercising.
 17. The apparatus as recited in claim 16, further comprising means for applying a resistance to a rotation of said means for engaging a head and neck of the user during the exercising.
 18. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, further comprising means for supplying resistance during the exercising.
 19. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, further comprising means for supporting said frame assembly on the surface.
 20. An apparatus comprising: a frame assembly comprising two frame members being configured to extend longitudinally above a surface, at least three crossbars joining said two frame members, a plurality of leg bases for supporting said frame assembly on the surface, and at least two hinges for folding the frame for storage; a backrest platform comprising a generally convex shape configured for supporting a user's back, said backrest platform further comprising a plurality of rollers being configured for rolling on the user's back during exercising, said backrest platform being joined to a first of said crossbars for rotation about said first crossbar; a seat platform comprising a generally concave shape configured for supporting the user's seat, said seat platform further comprising a plurality of rollers being configured for rolling on the user's seat during exercising, said seat platform being joined to a second of said crossbars for rotation about said second crossbar; a headrest being configured for engaging a head and neck of the user during the exercising, said headrest comprising a roller being configured for supporting the user's head and neck and rolling during the exercising; means for applying a resistance to said rotation of said headrest; and two handle grips being joined to said frame assembly for grasping during the user's exercising. 